What Is Total Protein?
Total protein measures the combined amount of albumin and globulin in your blood serum. These two protein groups make up virtually all the protein in plasma and perform essential functions: albumin maintains oncotic pressure (keeping fluid in blood vessels) and transports hormones, drugs, and nutrients, while globulins include antibodies, transport proteins, and clotting factors.
A total protein result is most informative when broken down into its components, albumin and globulin, and their ratio (A:G ratio). This breakdown helps distinguish between liver disease, kidney disease, immune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies.
Why Is Total Protein Tested?
- Liver function assessment - the liver synthesises albumin and most globulins
- Kidney disease screening - protein loss in urine lowers total protein
- Nutritional status - malnutrition reduces protein synthesis
- Immune system evaluation - elevated globulins suggest chronic infection or autoimmune disease
- Multiple myeloma screening - abnormal immunoglobulin production raises total protein
Normal Ranges
| Test | Normal Range (g/L) |
|---|---|
| Total protein | 60–80 |
| Albumin | 35–50 |
| Globulin | 20–35 |
What Do High Total Protein Levels Mean?
- Dehydration - concentrated blood raises all protein fractions
- Chronic infections - HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis stimulate immunoglobulin production
- Autoimmune diseases - lupus, rheumatoid arthritis elevate gamma globulins
- Multiple myeloma - malignant plasma cells produce monoclonal immunoglobulin
- Chronic liver disease - paradoxically, cirrhosis can raise globulins while lowering albumin
What Do Low Total Protein Levels Mean?
- Liver disease, impaired albumin synthesis
- Nephrotic syndrome, massive protein loss through damaged kidneys
- Malnutrition, inadequate protein intake
- Malabsorption, coeliac disease, IBD, or short bowel syndrome
- Protein-losing enteropathy, gastrointestinal protein loss
- Burns or severe wounds, protein loss from damaged tissues
- Overhydration - dilution effect
How to Improve Your Total Protein Levels
- Adequate protein intake - aim for 0.8–1.2g per kg body weight daily from meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and tofu
- Treat underlying conditions — liver disease, kidney disease, or malabsorption must be addressed
- Stay properly hydrated, not too much, not too little
- Regular meals, consistent protein intake throughout the day supports synthesis
- If protein is too high — investigate the globulin fraction; further testing with serum protein electrophoresis may be needed
When Should You Get Tested?
- As part of a routine liver function panel
- You have symptoms of liver or kidney disease
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or oedema
- Recurrent infections suggesting immune deficiency
Which Lola Health Tests Include Total Protein?
Total protein is included in the liver function profile in Core Health, Vital Check, and Peak Insights. Available as an add-on with any blood test.
Check Your Protein (Total) Levels at Home
The Core Health 45 includes Protein (Total) testing along with 44 other biomarkers. Results in 2 working days with a free at-home phlebotomist visit.
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This biomarker is included in our Total Protein Test and Core Health 45 — results in 2-3 working days with GP-reviewed insights.
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